Avalon Park Area? (Winter Park, Conway, Springfield: work, new home, subdivision)

[djones87]

Can anyone tell me about this area - its positives and negatives for a family with young kids? How is commute to airport? schools? traffic? How would it compare with Lake Non, Winter Park or Conway areas? Thank you.

[GregTraub]

Positives:
-Pre-Planned community with the "Live, Play, Work" concept so you technically could have all your needs met without having to leave Avalon park.
-A rated schools
- All new homes
- Low traffic along main drag of Avalon park Blvd
- Great towncenter
- Close to lots of family activities in Waterford Lakes
- Housing has taken a turn in the area and you can get great prices on newly build AND pre-owned homes
- Once the Alafaya extension is complete, connecting it to the 528, it will be a relatively easy drivce to the airport
Negatives
- The further North you get on Avalon Park Blvd, the less desireable it gets
- "Springfieldish" with the occasional view of the nuclear power plant cooling stacks
- Traffic trying to leave Avalon Park. Hwy 50 and Alafaya Trail is BAD especially during Rush hour.

As far as Lake Nona goes, I like that area quite a bit. Low traffic, very easy access to the airport, Also A schools, The same towncenter concept in Northlake Park at Lake Nona. Homes tend to cost a tad more in Lake Nona than in Avalon Park though.

Winter Park is one of a kind but not for everybody. Older classic neighborhoods, great schools, high end shopping and local restaraunts off Park Ave. Easy access to downtown. However, housing is expensive here, it's in the middle of the city with not so great access to the airport.

[JuanaChat]

I LOVE living in Avalon Park. If you are planing to move down it is a buyers market. I would recommend renting for a year or haggling on a home that has been on the market for a long time.
My children are in the school system here and can walk or ride bikes to school everyday. They enjoy the community pool, YMCA and parks. As a busy family, it is nice to be able to do everything we need without leaving the subdivision. But still be no more than 45 minutes from other malls, attractions and etc.
They are building out a Highway to reach the Airport faster. It will be 10-20 drive! Currently it is 65% completed.
I moved here from the north and think it is great. The community grew too fast and now it is slowing down to catch up with market trends. However, it is new enough that you will not feel like the "New family". Everyone is from somewhere else!
Good luck with your search!